Hard Life.

Source

"Wow" is all I could say when she told us her story this morning. It made me think about how all the "hard times" I have faced during my childhood could never compare to what others have experienced, especially her.

Never have I been forced from my home country to live in another.

That happened willingly and blissfully.

Never did I have to care for my younger sister at only 6 years old.

I am the last-born... the youngest child.  

Never have I witnessed brutal violence at a young age.

I was always sheltered from such things.

Never had I not been exposed to everyday things such as cows, chickens, and the like.

We not only learned about them in school, but they were a part of our diet.

Never have I lived in a refugee camp in Asia for 8 years.

I couldn't even imagine...

Who really knows what a friend, acquaintance, or coworker has REALLY experienced until they open up to you. All you see is what is on the outside.

I count my blessings everyday, and even more when I hear stories like the one I heard this morning. Some people have really had a rough life.

Winning!

1) "Shoespoon" is my new favorite word.

On May 20th (so long ago, I know), I won DSW's Free Shoes Friday (a weekly contest they have on twitter where they ask a question and the first ten to email the correct answer wins free shoes-- a gift card). After over a year of playing, I finally won! The question was something along the lines of "What is another name for a shoe horn?" hence the word "shoespoon". My wonderful giftcard was sent and I was faced with the task of which pair(s) of shoes I would purchase before the card expired at the end of June. I knew I wanted a pair of wedges, so that's what I went with... I wasn't really in love with them after they were shipped to my house and I tried them on, so I just returned them today. But here a few pics of what they looked like:

2) I was on some sort of giveaway winning streak or something...

...because I recently won another giveaway on Mariel's blog. A cute and simple heart-shaped necklace from Haina. I also received an added bonus with my giveaway gift-- a free bottle of their "beach" body lotion. I am quite happy with my prizes. :-)

Five Pin Friday

This week is all about color (which seems to be lacking from my wardrobe this summer). I have also included photos of the some of the color blocking styles I like. 

(1); (2); (3); (4); (5)